October 11/06 8:03 am - United Cycle Oktobercross

Posted by Editor on 10/11/06

United Cycle Oktobercross - EdmontonCourtesy Brys Francis

October 8, 2006

United Cycle proudly hosted a record turnout - 93 - riders for the second event of the annual Edmonton cyclocross double header. Racers were treated to more seasonal temperatures, river valley views, near perfect racing conditions, and a brand new course in Capilano Park. This new course challenged riders with undulating terrain, slalom through the trees, two off-camber descending chicanes, and three dismounts consisting of a toboggan hill ascent, a log jam run up and, of course, a set of double barriers. The downfall of many riders was the righthand transition from pavement to frost covered grass, dirt, and leaves.

Tim Heemskerk (United Cycle) swept the weekends Elite events and taking home the $350 prize purse. Cross legend Peter Toth (ERTC/Red Bike) narrowly edged out Mark Webster (The Bike Shop) who both succumbed to Heemskerks technical cornering skills and his powering up the toboggan hill to finish second and third respectively.

Likewise, Mical Dyck (Terrascape) swept the weekends women's event and took home the $350 prize purse. Marg Fedyna (ERTC) was able to hold off the hard charging Susan Copeland (Juventus) to round out the women's podium.

The expert race was hotly contested. Aaron Schooler (ERTC/Redbike), 2nd on Saturday, turned the tables around and attacked right off the start line. Aaron lead the race wire to wire to earn his first win of the season holding off Brian Robinson (Bow Cycle) +7s, and Spencer Smitheman (Juventus) +21s in an exciting race.

The sport race saw a trio of United Cycle riders, John Encarnacao, Peter Knight, and Duncan Cameron control the race from the start until Encarnacao overshot one of the chicanes. Knight and Cameron were able to successfully hold their lead to finish 1st and 2nd respectively and Juventus rider Connor Witzke was able to capitalize on Encarnacao's (4th) mistake to finish 3rd.

Thank you to all the volunteers for hosting a such a successful event. Thanks to our sponsors United Cycle, and the Strathcona Market Starbucks and Save On Foods.